China starts construction of 1st polar research icebreaker

2016-12-21
Xinhua

The construction commencement ceremony of China’s first domestic-built polar research vessel and icebreaker is held in Shanghai, east China, Dec 20, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

SHANGHAI — Construction of China’s first domestic-built polar research vessel and icebreaker began on Dec 20 in Shanghai, giving a boost to the nation’s polar expedition efforts, according to the Polar Research Institute of China.

Photo shows a rendering of China’s first domestic-built polar research vessel and icebreaker. Construction of China’s first domestic-built polar research vessel and icebreaker began on Dec 20 in Shanghai.[Photo/Xinhua]

The vessel is scheduled to be completed in 2019, when it is expected to team-up with research vessel and icebreaker Xuelong (Snow Dragon).

Xuelong is currently China’s only icebreaker carrying out polar research expeditions.

Yang Huigen, head of the institute, said the move would improve the nation’s capabilities in supporting polar expeditions and surveying the polar marine environment.

On completion, the new vessel alongside veteran Xuelong will give China’s polar research more diversified services.

The first piece of steel of China’s first domestic-built polar research vessel and icebreaker is being cut in Shanghai, east China, Dec 20, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

The vessel is scheduled to be completed in 2019, when it is expected to team-up with research vessel and icebreaker Xuelong (Snow Dragon).

Xuelong is currently China’s only icebreaker carrying out polar research expeditions.

Yang Huigen, head of the institute, said the move would improve the nation’s capabilities in supporting polar expeditions and surveying the polar marine environment.

On completion, the new vessel alongside veteran Xuelong will give China’s polar research more diversified services.

Photo shows a rendering of China’s first domestic-built polar research vessel and icebreaker. Construction of China’s first domestic-built polar research vessel and icebreaker began on Dec 20 in Shanghai. [Photo/Xinhua]

The vessel is scheduled to be completed in 2019, when it is expected to team-up with research vessel and icebreaker Xuelong (Snow Dragon).

Xuelong is currently China’s only icebreaker carrying out polar research expeditions.

Yang Huigen, head of the institute, said the move would improve the nation’s capabilities in supporting polar expeditions and surveying the polar marine environment.

On completion, the new vessel alongside veteran Xuelong will give China’s polar research more diversified services.

Photo shows a rendering of China’s first domestic-built polar research vessel and icebreaker. Construction of China’s first domestic-built polar research vessel and icebreaker began on Dec 20 in Shanghai.[Photo/Xinhua]

Download
State Council App